A Local’s Guide to Breck’s Hidden Gems

Downtown Breckenridge in all of its glory. Photo: Courtesy of GoBreck

In 1859, when miners struck gold along the Blue River, the town of Breckenridge was founded. Breck (as the locals call it) has come a long way from a mining town and now boasts a robust variety of local restaurants, breweries, distilleries, art galleries and, of course, a world-class ski resort.

Located less than 2 hours from Denver International Airport, Breckenridge Ski Resort provides some of the best access to world-class skiing and riding in the Rockies. Breckenridge is a quick trip from Denver, making it a favorite of both tourists and locals. If you want to experience everything that the Colorado High Country has to offer without spending an eternity in the car, Breckenridge is the perfect destination. Coming from the Denver Airport, your best options are to either rent a car or arrange a ride with one of the shuttle companies that offer affordable transport to the mountains. Services such as the Colorado Mountain Expressor the Peak 1 Express offers hassle-free shuttle options to and from Breck.

The Mountain

A skier tossing a massive 360 during the 2017 GoPro Big Mountain Challenge on Peak 6. Photo: Breckenridge Ski Resort

Breckenridge is home to expansive bowls, steep chutes, long rolling groomers, and one of the world’s best terrain parks. With 34 lifts spanning 5 of the 10 peaks in the 10-mile range, Breck has terrain for every rider. Ride the Imperial lift, taking passengers to 12,840 feet to experience incredible views from North America’s highest chairlift. For the expert skier looking to push their limits, the hike-to and extreme terrain at Breck will be sure to get your heart pumping.

Powder Day Beta: If you want a chance at scoring fresh tracks at Denver’s favorite ski resort, you’re going to have to be smart. Breck’s terrain spreads across several mountains. That means you can skip the crowds, even on the busiest days, if you know where to go. As fun as the laps on Peak 6 and the T-Bar might be, if you get there too late, you’re going to waste your whole morning in line. Instead, load at Peak 9 and take your first run on Falcon Superchair on Peak 10. Throughout the day you can work your way across the mountain to Peak 6. Breck’s “extreme terrain” typically opens late due to avalanche control on powder mornings anyway, so you might as well get some laps in while everyone else waits in line.

Many of the world’s best park riders such as Nick Goepper, Bobby Brown and Keri Herman have decided to make Breckenridge their home. With four award-winning terrain parks and a 22-foot super-pipe, the resort holds claim to some of the best terrain parks in the world.

If you need an off-day or the skiing isn’t your thing, Breck also offers a wide variety of off-hill winter activities. Go for a snowmobile ride, get some exercise on the nordic trails, or go for a dog-sledding adventure.

Lodging

For those over couch surfing or crashing at hostels GoBreck, is the best resource for finding a place to stay. This site lists 98% of the lodging options within the town of Breckenridge. Whether you want to stay in a small B&B in town, a ski-in/ski-out hotel, or in a slope-side mansion, you’ll be able to find something through this site. From my experience, the best “bang for your buck” option - especially if you are with a group - is to rent a condo or a house. Unlike hotels, condo/house options will most likely have a kitchen. That means, you don’t have to go out to eat for every meal and you can save a bit of money. Also, with the free bus system, the added perks of a complimentary hotel shuttle become less significant.

Eating and Boozing

Crepes a la Cart slings some of the best crepes you'll find outside Paris. Photo: Courtesy of Elainne Dickinson/Flickr

With over 150 restaurants and pubs in town, there is no shortage of amazing dining options in Breckenridge. If you’re like me, every ski morning starts with a cup of coffee. If I miss breakfast, I’ll stop at The Crown Coffee Shop for a morning coffee and a “Royal Tiger” breakfast sandwich to enjoy while I’m on the gondola.

Crepes a la Cart is a local favorite, having served over 1.5 million crepes to date, and for good reason. From the savory side of the menu, it’s hard to pass on the Philly Cheesesteak crepe.

With a cheap happy hour, Mi Casa Cantina has built a strong business as an apres favorite for locals. Get three tacos, plus bottomless chips and salsa, for just five bucks (with the purchase of a beverage).

If you are looking for more of a culinary experience, I often tell friends and family to go to either the Blue River Bistro or the Hearthstone Restaurant.

Broken Compass Brewing Company serves up suds in a retired Colorado Superchair. Photo: Courtesy of GoBreck

The Blue River Bistro is famous for their take on modern Italian-American food. With a huge cocktail menu, live jazz and blues music, and Tortellini Carbonara to die for, Blue River Bistro is a local favorite for fine Italian cuisine.

Hearthstone Restaurant, located in the 125-year-old Kaiser family home, features a phenomenal view of Breckenridge and the Ten-Mile range. At Hearthstone, you’ll find locally farmed produce, grass-fed beef, artisan cheeses, and sustainably caught (and freshly delivered) seafood. Executive Chef Michael Halpin has built Hearthstone’s strong reputation by serving a menu featuring the best of Rocky Mountain cuisine.

If you are looking to buy groceries, there are a few options in town. For most basic grocery needs, the City Market or the Breckenridge Market should have you covered.

The Motherloaded Tavern knows how to make a craft cocktail. Photo: Courtesy of GoBreck

For a small mountain town, Breckenridge has an impressive lineup of local beer and spirits. Check out Breckenridge Brewery, one of Colorado’s oldest craft breweries. Or visit the Broken Compass Brewing Company to try a unique “Chili Pepper Pale Ale”, or one of the other 13 beers they have on tap. More into spirits? Try Breckenridge Distillery’s award-winning offerings from the world’s highest distillery.

Once you’ve exhausted the après scene and are looking to keep the party going, head to main street. As the city's major thoroughfare, most of Breck’s late night fun happens within a three-block radius of downtown. To get your groove on, Cecilia's has a live DJ most nights and the largest dance floor in Breck. Known for its wild dance club atmosphere, Cecilia’s is a not your average ski town bar.

In 2016 RMU opened Summit County’s first ski shop+tavern. Photo: Jessie Unruh/RMU Skis

Known for their comfort-style pub food, creative cocktails, and eccentric atmosphere, the Motherloaded Tavern is an absolute must. Be sure to try “The Famous Mr. Ed” a Moscow mule with your choice of flavor infusion, or one of their other infused in-house cocktails.

Downstairs at Eric’s is a Breckenridge Classic. With a huge variety of arcade games, a massive beer menu and more TV’s than you could possibly watch, Downstairs at Eric’s is a sports bar with a mountain vibe. Want to make sure the place is poppin’ before you head over? Check out the live bar cam.

For the ultimate ski town bar experience, check out the RMU skis factory/tavern combo. Located right off main street, RMU has their handmade skis on display in a one-of-a-kind showroom. Since they started in 2008, RMU has required that each of their employees skis at least 50 days per year. Stop by to check out their progressive lineup of skis or to have a beer in one of the most unique ski shops in the country.